SP5.5 - Is Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Testing a Predictor of Success in Colorectal Resections? An Evaluation of Two Years Practice in a University Hospital Colorectal Unit

Abstract Aims Cardio pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has a well establish evidence basis in risk stratification of post operative morbidity. Frail and comorbid patients are at higher risk of complications. These patients may also have impaired aerobic fitness. Changes in UK population demographics mean that colorectal resections are now widely performed in patients with extensive comorbidity and poor aerobic fitness. In this group of patients, return to normal function at home is a key measure of operative success. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CPET performance can predict "days alive at home at 30 days after surgery" (DAH30) in patients undergoing colorectal resection. Methods Approval for evaluation granted by local audit team. All Colorectal resection conducted between January 2020 and January 2022 were analysed. Patients who did not undergo CPET were excluded. Electronic records and notes were screened to establish whether readmission, complications (Clavien-Dindo >1) or mortality occurred in the 30 days post operatively. Data was captured in a database and analysed in JASP. Results Only preliminary results are available at time of writing. Full results will be available at time of presentation. We collected data on a total of 454 patients. 85% underwent CPET testing with median age of 69 years. Risk of major complication was twice as high in the poor CPET group (RR 1.97). Those in good CPET group were twice as likely to be home at 30 days (RR 1.93). Conclusions Preliminary results suggest cardiopulmonary exercise test is an effective means of predicting DAH30.